Summit attendees recognize the importance of regular meetings to facilitate problem solving through face-to-face contact that is driven by continued networking to identify recreational land use and access priorities.

The issues include education, policy, litigation, legislation, advocacy, public relations, and others that require close coordination and sharing of information.

The 2005 Conference was initiated by United with help from AMA (AMA held the original conference a few years back). The United Land Action Fund covered some of the expense for the Conference.

Attendees and contributors (some could not make the specific date but supplied content to the agenda and discussions):

For a brief overview of the discussion please read here: NLSRA Overview.

It should be noted that quite a few more organizations were eager to attend but had other commitments. Plans for the follow-on conference are being worked. This is a great example of the disciplines working together

- January 2006UFWDA & AMA HOST LEADERSHIP SUMMITThe United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) hosted the second National Leadership Summit on Recreational Access (NLSRA) October 25-27, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.

The summit focused on setting recreational land use and access priorities for the next five years. Attendees included the UFWDA, BRC, Motorcycle Industry Council, Off-Road Business Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), California Off-Road Vehicle Association, Wisconsin OHV Coalition, United Land Action Fund, AMA, American Council of Snowmobile Associations and Idaho State Snowmobile Association.

The meeting was a facilitated discussion to develop issues and determine priorities. The issues include education, policy, litigation, legislation, advocacy, public relations and others that require close coordination and sharing of information. The top three issues included, developing systems to share information, developing educational programs and trail designation.

John Stewart, Director of Environmental Affairs for UFWDA, stated, "As national leaders, we often duplicate efforts that reduce our effectiveness and efficiency. Communications and sharing of information are critical to preserving our heritage."

The target audience for the summit was national organizations representing motorized recreation interests. Stewart noted that summit attendees were expected to be leaders and decision makers within their respective organizations. He stated, "It's time we determine the strengths of each organization and use the strengths to focus our energies on results."

Summit attendees recognize the importance of regular meetings to facilitate problem solving through direct contact driven by continued networking to identify recreational land use and access priorities.

A follow-up meeting will be hosted by SVIA in 2006, with BRC hosting one in 2007. Additional information about the summit can be viewed at the UFWDA site on the World Wide Web: <http://www.ufwda.org/nlsra>.

UFWDA is an international organization of four wheel drive enthusiasts dedicated to preserving public lands heritage and enjoyment of the outdoors. For more information contact: 7135 S. PR Royal Springs Drive, Shelbyville, IN 46176. 1-800-44-UFWDA. <http://www.ufwda.org>.